Syracuse.com - Figura writing about the tough turkey hunting season and the controversial issue of crossbows

[HuntingNY-News]

I'm looking for someone who fishes on Oneida Lake the old-fashion way, pulling copper wire by hand for walleyes. Have an interesting story idea? Call Outdoors Editor David Figura at 470-6066 or email me at [email protected].

Hope everyone's spring is going great. Here's a rundown of what's on tap on this week's Outdoors pages in The Post-Standard:

FRIDAY:

MAIN STORY: Got your turkey yet? I've heard from a number of hunters that it's tough out there this spring. What's the story? I talk to DEC and some local turkey hunting experts about what they're seeing and advice on what to do when your gobbler is "henned up" or "hung up." (Turkey hunters know what I'm talking about...and you will too after Friday's story).

Column: Last weekend's Cicero/Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby on Oneida Lake, Touch on a number of topics including my hunting/fishing excursion into Cortland County and the Oneida Lake Association's "Conservationist of the Year".. among other things.

SUNDAY:

MAIN PIECE: I talked about doing this last week, but decided to hold it and do it this week instead. The issue of crossbows is a long-standing, emotional issue among hunters-- between those who favor and those who oppose them. DEC has come out in favor of them during all seasons, and for all game for which regular bows are allowed. Meanwhile, the long-standing discussion between hunters on this topic has been marked by acrimony and insulting language -- and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. On top of all that, the final decision for this controversy rests with downstate state lawmakers who either don't care or understand...and react to whichever side sends in the most letters, or make the most calls for their position.

COLUMN: Carp fishing enthusiasts get ready.. next weekend is the 2nd annual Wild Carp Derby.. big money for the serious anglers, celebrity carp fishing tournament (which I'll be fishing in again) and more. A precede to the whole week.

ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT?

The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at [email protected] or call 470-6066.

-Folks I'd like to get in contact with for future stories/columns:

- Female outdoor adventures -- particularly ones that involves an annual get-away of some sort.

- Someone who fishes on Oneida Lake the old-fashion way, pulling copper wire for walleyes.

- Individuals who has, continues to successfully hunt wild boar in the Cortland County/Onondaga county area.

If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here..

FIGURA ON FACEBOOK:

For those who are on Facebook, I also have a PS Outdoors page, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog